Category Archives: wicca

Today I can hear the rumble of the snow plow through the neighborhood, see the specks of white flying around to add to the inch already out there, and no one seems keen on leaving their homes. Churches and other events are cancelled, too.

So it is with this my thoughts and heart yearn for spring, wishing for the sun’s warmth, to appearance of growing things to bud.

The First Day of Spring, also known as Ostara (Eostre), is on March 20. Mark your calendars and hope we’ll see actual spring and not more winter.

I wish I learned this trick years ago, but the problem with altar tools is finding things that fit the various types of incense and candles out there.

Incense come in sticks, cones, and the charcoal briquettes. Candles also come in various size tapers, pillar, and even tea light size dimension. But do I seriously want to get different containers to accommodate them?

The tips is easy; A single container, preferable wide and flat, filled with sand, salt, or dirt, works wonderfully as a holder for all incense and candles, and even other things.

I prefer using a terra cotta flower pot plate. They are heat resistant, and come in many sizes. You can also paint them, or use a flower pot, overturned, as a base to raise up the plate.

This is also easy to clean by scooping or replacing the sand, salt, or dirt. I use white sand, but you can find various Sand in Vivid Colors at the craft store, or find the Sand for Aquarium at pet stores (you can even find black sand). Hardware stores also carry sand for gardens or walkways.

Other containers include bowls, pots, or plates. This can also be used indoors or outdoors, and changed with the seasons. Use dirt for spring, sand for summer, dirt/soil for Autumn , and even snow for winter (outdoor only). Use your imagination!

Like this:

Between the overcast drizzle and icy sleet of Maryland weather, I’ve found myself a bit under the weather.

What I mean by under the weather isn’t necessarily the winter blues. I get that from time to time, but this time, I mean I feel tired and unable to find motivation to do much of anything.

Here are some ideas I’m trying:

More lights. I don’t own a full spectrum Desk Lamp , unfortunately, but I do have three lamps in my office that I will turn out to sit in a very brightly lit room. My son jokes about, pretending to be blinded every time he enters. The light helps.

Be mindful of your diet. Sugar tends to drain me, and not eating healthy enough leads to vitamin/mineral depreciation. I bought a vitamin supplement that has lots of B vitamins, vitamin D, and Zinc, among others. Deficiency in B vitamins and Iron can lead to fatigue. I also try to focus more on whole foods rather than processed foods. Try to pick foods in its most natural form.

Try to regulate your sleeping. This is a huge issue for me because I have problems sleeping. I get woken up by my dog, my husband’s snoring, and sometimes it’s the city’s siren going off at 3 am to alert the volunteer firefighters. I also find evenings my brain decides it’s the best time to sprout ideas.

Drink more water. Water helps keep everything running smoothly, and being dehydrated can cause fatigue. How do you know if you’re dehydrated? Pinch the skin on the back of your hand while it lies flat on a table. The skin should pop back when released. If it leaves a pinch mark, you need fluids.

Meditation. Studies show over and over that meditation improved mood. Try starting out for 5-10 minute meditation and work your up to longer lengths of time. Take note of your mood. You should find a more focused mind, a sense of balance, and gains in physical and emotional well being.

Music. I listen to music, and sometimes it just takes a single song to perk me up or improve my mood. Here is some of my selection: